We knew it wouldn't take long for teams to start making moves after the NCHC announced it would begin play in 2013. The first big move, Northern Michigan University joining the WCHA....almost.
The application for NMU to join is currently going through the formal review process but is expected to be approved later this week. Northern Michigan finished sixth in the CCHA regular season and was eliminated in three games by the last place team, Bowling Green, in the first round of the CCHA playoffs.
What Does It Mean For The CCHA & WCHA?
The forming of the NCHC last week left the CCHA with seven teams and the WCHA with five. Both conferences were left considerably weaker with the departure of some of the biggest names in college hockey. Should NMU join the WCHA it would give the conference six teams, the minimum needed for a conference to have an automatic bid.
Northern Michigan will join Alaska Anchorage, Bemidji State, St. Cloud State, Minnesota State and Michigan Tech if it's approved by the WCHA this week. All six teams mentioned were below .500 for the 2010-2011 season.
The potential move by NMU is the first since the announcement of the NCHC, it promises to be the first change of many before the new leagues begin play in 2013.
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